Willamette River Socks (Oregon)

Eighty percent of Oregonians live within twenty miles of the Willamette River, which runs through both Portland and Salem. Archaeological finds show that the river valley has been populated for at least 10,000 years. It wasn’t until the 19th century that Europeans settled the valley, with the Oregon Trail ending at the mouth of the river. Designer Allison Isaac lives near the Willamette River in Newburg and designed these socks to honor both it and the majestic Cascade Mountains that stand watch over the area and whose peaks inspired the design of the beaded cuff . Finished Size: Adult Medium: Foot circumference 7¾” (19.5cm); leg length to ankle 6″ (15cm); foot length 8″ (10cm) (unstretched) Project Gauge: 32 stitches and 44 rounds = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch; 32 stitches and 44 rounds = 4″ (10cm) in Winding River Lace Pattern Yarn: Cascade Yarns Heritage Solids (75% Merino Superwash, 25% Nylon, 437 yards/400m); 1 skein Turquoise #5626...

Grand Canyon Socks (Arizona)

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and the only one in the United States. Carved by the Colorado River over the course of at least 17 million years, it measures 18 miles at its widest, and its deepest point is over a mile below the surface. For 277 miles, its buttes and crags provide an awe-inspiring natural color show. Designer Sara Elizabeth Schmidt took inspiration from the canyon to create these beautiful socks. With their warm colorway and a design that flows together and apart, the socks pay tribute to the changing textures of the canyon surfaces. ¡Qué hermosos! Finished Size: Adult Medium: Foot circumference 7½” (19cm); leg length to ankle 8″ (20cm); foot length 8¾” (22cm) (unstretched) Project Gauge: 32 stitches and 42 rounds = 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch; 34 stitches and 42 rounds = 4″ in Canyon Lace Pattern Yarn: Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock (80% superwash merino wool, 20% nylon, 430 yards/393m); 1 skein Brick...

Ohio River Socks (Ohio)

The Ohio River winds its way for almost a thousand miles through Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. The river was the site of many Native American settlements, later became the boundary between European and Indian territories, and served as a major boundary between free and slave states. Designer Rusty Theresa Morris was inspired by the sinuous path of the Ohio, represented here by the lovely twisting cables. Knit in a cozy worsted weight yarn, these socks knit up very quickly as well. Finished Size: Adult Medium: Foot circumference 7½” (19cm); leg length to ankle 8″ (20cm); foot length 8½” (21.5cm) or to fit (unstretched) Project Gauge: 21 stitches and 28 rounds = 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch, 36 stitches and 32 rounds = 4″ (10cm) in Sinuous River Cable Pattern Yarn: Ella Rae Classic Solids Superwash (100% superwash wool, 219 yards/200m); 2 skeins Moody Blue #122...

Jersey Turnpike Socks (New Jersey)

If you’re headed north or south in New Jersey, there’s no avoiding the dreaded Jersey Turnpike. One of the most traveled and dangerous roadways in the country, it can be confusing to Turnpike newbies and veterans alike. With anywhere from 4 to 14 lanes, it gets even more challenging when the lanes change direction from north to south and south to north at different times during the day. These socks, by Heatherly Walker, are inspired by the challenge of navigating the Turnpike. The color is a nod to the 122 miles of asphalt and stripes. Start your needles! Finished Sizes: Adult M (L): Foot circumference 7½ (8¼)” (19 [21]cm); leg length to ankle 6″ (15cm); foot length 9″ (23cm) or to fit (unstretched) Project Gauge: 36 stitches and 44 rounds = 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch; 38 stitches and 38 rounds = 4″ (10cm) in stranded stockinette Yarn: Cascade Yarns Heritage Sock (75% superwash wool, 25% nylon, 437 yards/400m); 1 skein Snow #5618 (MC), 1 skein Real Black #5672 (CC)...

Appalachian Trail Socks (Pennsylvania)

The Appalachian Trail is the holy grail for American hikers. As it winds its way along the Appalachian mountain range from Georgia to Maine, intrepid hikers are rewarded with mountain, pasture and forest views along its 2,184 miles. Started in 1921 and built completely by private citizens, the trail is managed by the U.S. Park Service but maintained by thousands of volunteers. Kimberly de la Cruz designed these socks with a winding trail of leafy twists and a lush, fresh color to pay tribute to the Pennsylvania section of the AT. They are too pretty to hide in hiking boots, though. Finished Size: Adult Medium: Foot circumference 7″ (18cm); leg length to ankle 5½” (14cm); foot length 8″ (20]cm) (unstretched) Project Gauge: 36 stitches and 50 rounds = 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch; 45 stitches and 46 rounds = 4″ (10cm) in Winding Trail Pattern Yarn: Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock (80% Superwash Merino; 20% Nylon, 435 yards/398m); 1 skein Catalpa #310...

About the Book

With over 625 million feet in the country, it’s no surprise that sock knitting is such a passion in the U.S. Thirteen American designers celebrate their favorite places with designs inspired by the beauty of America — from the sweet onion fields of Washington State, to the Florida dunes, from the Grand Canyon to wintry Maine. I’ve included five yummy regional recipes as well as travelogues for an armchair tour of some of my favorite places. Happy knitting, traveling and cooking!

Learn More About ASK

Meet the Author

Beth Moriarty, known to fans of PlanetPurl.com as the “PurlQueen,” has shared her online classes and instructional videos have been viewed on YouTube almost 2 million times. She designs individual downloadable patterns which are available under the PurlQueen Patterns label (PurlQueenPatterns.com), and her first book, Deep South Knitting (DeepSouthKnitting.com) was published in 2011, with 25 projects inspired by the history and beauty of the American South, together with travelogues and a dozen of her favorite southern recipes.